Mar 6, 2025 · Griffith Observatory is a free-admission facility located on the south side of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. The building and grounds are accessible for all visitors. The building is busiest on weekends, during summer and holiday periods, and at sunset.

From 1935 – 2002, the Observatory welcomed 70 million visitors and became the world’s leader in public astronomy, a story told in the context of the building’s four Directors. Griffith Observatory’s unique architecture and setting, compelling programmatic offerings, and cinematic exposure have made it one of the most famous and visited ...

Mar 6, 2025 · Griffith Observatory is southern California's gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

Griffith Observatory is one of the only major facilities in the world that still produces exclusively live planetarium shows. Over 100,000 shows have been presented since the building opened in 1935. Former Observatory Director Clarence Cleminshaw presented more than 8,000 planetarium shows during his 33 years on staff.

The 67,000 square-foot building is one of the most popular informal education facilities in the United States and the most-visited public observatory in the world (with 1.6 million visitors a year). Griffith Observatory is a unique hybrid of public observatory, planetarium, and exhibition space.

After nearly 67 years of continuous use and 70 million visitors, Griffith Observatory was nearly loved to death by the very public it served. When the building closed in January 2002, it was very much in need of renewal.

Explore the Observatory’s past, present, and future during our year-long celebration of a milestone anniversary! A Leader In Public Observing Since 1935, Griffith Observatory has promoted science, prompted inspiration, and sparked curiosity.

After nearly 67 years of heavy public use, Griffith Observatory closed its doors in 2002 for a comprehensive renovation and expansion, the first major capital improvement to the building since it opened in 1935.

4 days ago · Admission to the Observatory building, the grounds, and the public telescopes is always free. There are fees for parking and ticket costs for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.

Griffith Observatory’s planetarium theater was the third built in the U.S. (after Chicago and Philadelphia) and one of the largest (75-feet diameter) in the world. After more than a hundred different shows and 13-million visits over nearly 67 years, the planetarium was ready to step into the 21st century.